CHARGERS: Report card

JAY PARIS jparis@nctimes.com

Quarterbacks:
A

Not even an interception can lower this grade by Philip Rivers, as he found the right guy (Dante Rosario) at the right time. He did so despite getting sacked four times and being rushed on many other occasions. Three touchdown passes trump all that.

Running backs:
B

Norv Turner went with the bruisers, and they left their share of marks on the Titans. Jackie Battle scored twice and averaged nearly 5 yards per rush. Le'Ron McClain ran for 19 yards on only two carries. Ronnie Brown was passed over, although he caught four passes for 26 yards.

Receivers:
A

Didn't see any drops here; the officials spotted one on what appeared to be a Malcom Floyd touchdown reception. But on a day when Robert Meachem was blanked and Eddie Royal had just two catches, Rosario had three scoring grabs. Bet no one had him in their fantasy league.

Offensive line:
B-

There was too much pressure on Rivers too often to ignore. But running holes were opened, and the big guys were able to rumble through them. While 148 rushing yards doesn't sound like much, it's light years from the 32 the Chargers gained in the season opener on Monday.

Defensive line:
A

Turner awarded the game ball to this unit, and it was well deserved. Titans QB Jake Locker was the team's leading rusher with 21 yards, and much of that came from him scrambling for his health. The linemen's work didn't produce gaudy statistics, but helped the eight players behind them get theirs.

Eric Weddle had an interception and pass defended; Antoine Cason had a team-high four tackles and broke up a pass, too. Quentin Jammer had an injured hand but contributed to the tight coverage that seldom gave Locker windows of opportunity.

Special teams
: B

Richard Goodman had a nifty kickoff return for 37 yards. The coverage units showed a few shortcomings in allowing a 71-yard kick return and a punt to be brought back 16 yards. The kicking game was solid again with Nate Kaeding adding a field goal and Mike Scifres contributing a 62-yard punt.

Coaching:
A

It's not easy during a short week to get ready for a team that's struggling to be competitive. But Turner's charges were plugged in, and his game plan didn't waver despite not having Antonio Gates. It looks like he found a running back in Battle, and wasn't shy about leaning on him in the second half. Defensively, the Titans never found a rhythm before beating it out of town.